Despite the history of anti-royalist feeling among some supporters, which has included booing the national anthem in the past, the majority of Liverpool fans respected the minute’s silence held in memory of Queen Elizabeth II at tonight’s Champions League game against Ajaz at Anfield.
Liverpool made a request to UEFA for the tribute to be held following the death of the late monarch on Thursday at the age of 96, with their manager Jurgen Klopp insisting it was the right thing for the club to do in this momentous period and a Hillsborough Survivors group urging fans to show’respect’ earlier today.
As the 53,000-strong crowd stood for a moment of silence prior to the Group A match, there were isolated boos, shouts, and chants of “Liverpool, Liverpool” from a small number of individuals; however, the majority quickly silenced them, and the vast majority of supporters observed the moment of reflection respectfully and quietly.
In some areas of Merseyside, there is hatred against the monarchy, and there was a commotion in May before the FA Cup final when Prince William, the new Prince of Wales, was jeered by Liverpool fans.
At Wembley, some Liverpool supporters jeered the national anthem, as they had done before the Carabao Cup final in February, while others sung along.
In July, before to Leicester’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City at Leicester’s King Power Stadium, Prince William was jeered when he shook the players’ hands.
Liverpool supporters observed a minute of silence in memory of Queen Elizabeth II prior to tonight’s Champions League match against Ajaz.
In the end, supporters observed the one-minute moment of silence. The tribute was held immediately prior to the match’s 8 p.m. start time, with minimal disruption from the crowds.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday at her Scottish home at Balmoral at the age of 96.
As a result, all eyes have been on Liverpool fans at Anfield and whether they will pay homage to the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
The tribute was held immediately prior to the match’s 8 p.m. start time, with minimal disruption from the crowds. However, as BT Sport’s Darren Fletcher stated, “Immaculately observed by many, but not by all.”
The players wore black armbands and the regular Champions League anthem was not sung before to the match.
Liverpool’s first Champions League home game of the 2022/23 season is against the Dutch team, with pressure rising after the club’s loss to Napoli in Naples last week.
Jordan Henderson, captain of Liverpool, signs a sympathy book for Queen Elizabeth II.
The Liverpool women’s team captain, Niamh Fahey, also left a tribute at the Town Hall.
Earlier today, the Hillsborough Survivors Support Alliance advised Reds supporters that booing the national anthem or the minute of silence in memory of Her Majesty might have resulted in an increase in abuse over Hillsborough.
Everyone attending tonight’s game is asked to show respect and observe the minute of silence.
You may believe that any retaliation won’t effect you, but the surge in abuse over Hillsborough will affect us and our families.
Respect is free, and it applies both ways.
Some Liverpool supporters have a history of anti-royalist prejudice, which has included booing the national anthem.
Liverpool’s first Champions League home game of the 2022/23 season is against the Dutch team, with pressure rising after the club’s loss to Napoli in Naples last week.
Sir Kenny Dalglish, who was knighted in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours list, joined the group in urging fans to pay tribute to Her Majesty earlier today.
The former manager and club legend cited the group’s tweet and said, “Excellently stated. I hope that everyone at Anfield tonight will honor these requests.
Prior to the game, the current manager of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, stated that he did not fear a repetition from the fans and was confident they would show respect, just as they did to Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo last season after the heartbreaking death of his son.
Sir Kenny Dalglish, who was knighted in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours list, urged Liverpool fans to pay tribute to Her Majesty earlier today.
“I do not believe our people require any advise from me regarding respect. There are numerous instances in which individuals shown the appropriate level of respect.
Last season, when we played Manchester United in the midst of a really tragic situation involving Cristiano Ronaldo’s family, was a moment that surprised me and made me extremely pleased. That is what I anticipate.
“It is evident to me that this is what we must do. That’s all.
Klopp continued, ‘She is the only English monarch I have ever known. I did not know her, but based on what I can see, she was a kind, kind, and loving woman, and that is all I need to know.
I shall show my respect because I have a high regard for their sorrow.